The Golden Temple also called Namdroling Monastery stands beautifully amidst the scenic landscapes, emanating peacefulness and calmness. One can even spot small birds flying freely around the temple complex. What makes Golden temple even more mesmerising is the captivating landscapes around it. The monastery is popularly known as Golden temple owing to the golden paintings crafted on the monastery. One can capture the incomparable beauty of this temple also as photography is allowed even inside the temple. For shopping lovers also there is something to interest them. There are shopping centres near the temple, offering an extensive range of Tibetan items such as statues, carpets, traditional costumes and exquisite jewelleries, etc. Golden Temple emanates peacefulness amid the noisy streets and crowd of tourists.
Location of Buddhist Golden Temple
At a distance of 34 km from Madikeri, 4.5 km from Kushalnagar, 7 km from Cauvery Nisargadhama & 87 km from Mysore, the Golden Temple or Namdroling Monastery is a beautiful Buddhist Monastery situated in Bylakuppe. Bylakuppe is the second largest Tibetans settlement in India after Dharamshala. This Buddhist Monastery is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Coorg.
From Kushalnagar, one needs to follow the Mysore-madikeri road for next 2-3 Kms until one crosses the river Kaveri. After crossing the bridge, a drive for next 200 meters is required until one sees a board to the right for the Monastery.
| Distance | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| 34 km | Madikeri | Golden Temple or Namdroling Monastery |
| 4.5 km | Kushalnagar | Golden Temple or Namdroling Monastery |
| 7 km | Cauvery Nisargadhama | Golden Temple or Namdroling Monastery |
| 87 km | Mysore | Golden Temple or Namdroling Monastery |
Best time to visit Buddhist Golden Temple
Golden Temple Monastery timings are 7 AM to 8 PM. The best time to visit the temple is during the festive season. Various masked dances in their colourful attires can be seen performing their traditional dances at the main courtyard during festival. During this time, the main courtyard turns into an open stage for masked dancers and performers to present lively performances amid enthralling traditional music. The Tibetan New year (Losar) which usually occurs in the month of February or March is a best time to plan your visit.
Places to visit around Buddhist Golden Temple
Along with Golden Temple/Monastery, there are many other sightseeing places in Bylakuppe, making it an ideal place to visit from Mysore and even a perfect weekend getaway from Bangalore.
Modelled after the Sera University of Tibet, Sera Je Monastery plays a key role in keeping the culture of Buddhist alive with more than 5000 students studying here. Around it, you will find various stores selling traditional Tibetan jewellery and other artefacts.
Another place drawing visitors notice is the Sakya Monastery, which is a double-storey structure, with maroon color painted over it.
Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe is one of the prominent monasteries in the country. Being the original seat of Panchen Lama, it is considered as one among the four great monasteries of Central Tibet. It has more than 250 resident lamas who learn sutra and tantra here.
Second largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet, Bylakuppe houses many monks and students. First being Dharamsala in India. Now turned into a Bylakuppe consists of two Tibetan refugee settlements, namely Lugsum Samdupling” which was established in 1961 and “Dickyi Larsoe” which was set up in 1969.
What does the Buddhist Golden Temple offer?
The monastery not only attracts large number of young Tibetans seeking enlightenment and education, but also draws large number of tourists from all over India and abroad. Watching hundreds of Buddhist monks doing religious rituals and offering prayers loudly is an exciting sight. This place is a calm and majestic sight, surrounded by its landscaped gardens. The town is a delight to visit during festivals such as the Tibetan New Year (Losar), which is celebrated with much fervor at the monastery. It is celebrated in February / March over a period of fifteen days. During that time, the monastery hosts traditional colourful lama dances and huge thangkas, a Tibetan silk painting with embroidery depicts Buddhist deity. The Tiny Tibetan colony in here is an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The enclosed calm and the spiritual ambiance of the place welcomes all the visitors.
